Nigeria will reopen its airports to international flights from 29 August, the country’s aviation minister has said.
Hadi Sirika said four flights would begin landing daily in Lagos and another four in Abuja, under strict protocols.
The airports have been closed since 23 March to all but essential international flights in the country’s effort to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. However, Nigeria has eased restrictions and reopened its airports some weeks ago to domestic flights only.
The government has now decided to permit international flight operations as well, albeit with some strict guidelines.
Enforcing protocols in flights
The COVID-19 situation in Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation, with 200 million people, has improved in recent months. The country has recorded 50,488 coronavirus cases so far, with 37,304 recoveries and 985 deaths.
However, Hadi Sirika said the country will ensure strict protocols when airports reopen to international flights. He, therefore, urged citizens to be patient, insisting that the government will soon announce the protocols passengers are required to adhere to when boarding international flights.
“Glad to announce the resumption of international flights from the 29 August 2020. Beginning with Lagos and Abuja as we did with the domestic flight resumption,” Sirika tweeted.
He added: “Protocols and procedures will be announced in due course. We thank you for your patience.”
Daily flights to Abuja and Lagos
Giving further details on how the international flights will operate, Sirika said it will be a gradual process.
He told a press briefing in Abuja, even though Lagos is the city hardest hit by COVID-19 in Nigeria, followed by Abuja, that four flights would begin landing daily in both cities.
The reopening of airports to international flights follows the relaunching of rail operations last month in Nigeria.
E A Alanore
* Asaase Radio 99.5 – tune in or log on to broadcasts online.
#asaaseradio
#TVOL
